Traveling with Young Kids

What to Pack

Too much stuff can weigh you down and it’s a hassle to carry around. The general rule, even with kids, is to pack everything you think you need – then cut out at least half of it. Pack light! My biggest weakness is over-packing clothes, yet clothes can be washed and re-warn at times. I always try to pack things for my kids that are dual purpose. For example, instead of packing a dress shoe and an every day shoe, I’ll pack a nice sandal or shoe that can be warn dressy or for every day. I’m more concerned with packing things for emergency situations that can easily turn stressful. For example: bandaids, Benadril (for allergic reactions), children’s pain releaver, plastic bags, easy access to a change of clothes/underwear, a snack, water bottle, etc. Rather than packing a giant stroller, we find an umbrella stroller or baby carrier is better for trips.

Preparing the Kids

While planing for a trip to Florida when our kids were very young, we had some strong reservations about taking our daughter, then 14 months. She was just reaching the age where she was getting into everything, very active, very strong willed and independent. The thought of attempting to sit by the pool and keep track of the 3 and 5 year olds while the 14 month old darted out in every direction did not seem appealing.

Because of this, we decided to put her through baby boot camp…

We started really paying attention her attitude – when she would fuss or start throwing a fit, we would be extra quick to discourage it. We also made her sit for longer times in her seat at the table and practiced sitting still with her on our laps for longer periods of time. The attention to detail paid off and she was great on the trip!

Preparing for a trip is a great time to buckle down in the areas you may be slacking off as a parent.

Kids notoriously get crabby and uncooperative on vacations because we send the message that the world now revolves around them! Vacations are fun, and we usually do a lot of things that are centered around the kids, so of course they’re going to start acting a little spoiled.

We try to keep that in mind and start being extra cautious of it a couple months before leaving. Tighten up on things that have been slipping through the cracks and attitudes or behaviors that should not be acceptable.

This is assuming you are already practicing good parenting skills and that your kids are somewhat well behaved and respect you enough to listen. If you struggle excessively at home with your kids, then it may not be time to reward their behavior with a trip to Disney World. On the other hand, for many people, a parenting tune up before a trip can help ensure the trip is enjoyable for everyone!

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The Plane Ride

The key to surviving an airport and flying experience with young children is:

Stay relaxed

Be prepared

Carry very little

Look as cute as possible!

I cannot stress that last one enough. On the way to Florida one year, we had it all together. We had packed light, we were organized, we were in good moods. The kids were ridiculously cute with their rolling suitcases and Disney plush dolls in hand. Every grumpy TSA official we encountered took one look at us and smiled, started talking in a warm cuddly voice and opened up a special line to smooth out our security process.

On the contrary, our way home we were over-packed, flustered and grumpy. We went into the trip stressed and it continued to be a stressful experience.

When going through security, stay calm

You may feel rushed because of all the people behind you, but don’t rush. Everyone is pretty understanding of the challenges small children can bring. Send your most valuable things through last so they don’t end up sitting unattended for several minutes without you. Wear shoes that easily slip off (sandals!), new regulations allow children under 12 to keep theirs on. Have your liquids in a zip lock bag. Declare bottles and sippy cups – small amounts of liquid like this is allowed, but may need to be tested. Our experience has been pretty good with these things as most TSA officials would rather not be at the center of the next big media scandal involving kids and security. Identification is not needed for children, but have your ID’s handy at all times and be sure to have an “infant in arms” noted on your boarding pass.

The plane ride itself can be enjoyable with a little preparation

Take books, portable DVD players, iPods, candy, etc. Be prepared with special treats to keep kids happy at all cost (you don’t want to be that family)! If flying with an infant, be sure to have a bottle or pacifier handy to help their ears. Bring gum or a lolly pop for older kids to chew during the trip which will help their ears. Be sure to have small children use the bathroom right before boarding – airplane bathrooms can be a horrifying experience! Depending on your child’s normal allergies or sensitivities, an antihistamine may keep their nose and ears from clogging and making them dizzy during the trip. There are also motion sickness medications that have been approved for kids. Which reminds me… carry an extra plastic bag. ‘Nuff said.

Be considerate of others, but don’t let them stress you out

There are parents on both ends of this spectrum. Parents who are so self contentious of every little sound their child makes, they remain stressed and uptight at all times. Then there are the parents who allow their children to kick the seat in front of them for. the. entire. flight.

Don’t be either one of these parents. Find a happy medium. At all cost, keep your children calm and don’t let them bother other passengers around you. Remember that most people don’t think your child is as cute as you do and they will probably be a little on guard as soon as you sit down beside them. But on the other hand, most people are a little more forgiving and considerate than the media may make them out to be. If you are obviously doing your best to keep your kids entertained and quiet, people are going to pick up on that and give you grace.

The Car Trip

If flying’s not your thing or the idea alone sends shivers up your spine, you may find yourself in what seems like the car ride that never ends. Here are my tips for long car rides:

Movies (obviously): If you don’t have a built in DVD player, consider purchasing a small portable unit. Bring new movies or special ones your kids aren’t tired of.

Small, portable gaming devices, ipods or old phones. My husband purchased 3 old smart phones on ebay a while ago. As long as they can be “unlocked” and used without a sim card, they work just like ipods. We turn the wifi on just to download games and then turn the wifi off so our kids don’t have unrestricted access. They take pictures and video and can be used to call 911 even without a monthly plan. Our kids love using these on long car rides.

If I am going on a long trip, I start with making sure everything possible is packed in the van the night before. I lay out the clothes they will be wearing, and have a checklist of the last minute things for the morning, for example, special blankets, noise makers, drinks, bottles. Everything else possible, is packed in the vehicle.

Make sure that you put stuff in bags, not scattered and thrown in by itself. You will have a much easier time when it comes to unloading.

Keep a bag easily accessible with a change of clothes for each child, and several plastic bags. I have had one of them throw-up within moments of leaving the driveway. Being prepared helps the anxiety level.

Prepare your mind. You plan as much as you can, but do not allow yourself to get stressed out when your expectations are not met. That is an awful way to start your trip.

About Sarah Lemp

Sarah is a second generation homeschooling mom. She lives in Metro Detroit with her husband Jay, 4 kids and puppy, Edison. They love staying active as a family and going on trips in their vintage camper. Sarah loves to sing, make pretty things and eat tacos.

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More about Sarah

Sarah is a second generation homeschooling mom. She lives in Metro Detroit with her husband Jay, 4 kids and puppy, Edison. They love staying active as a family and going on trips in their vintage camper. Sarah loves to sing, make pretty things and eat tacos.

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